I'm considering joining a Toastmasters in my area. But someone I know said to me that Toastmasters is only for losers and/or socially inept, implying that this activity will not really help. Do you agree with him?
Strong public speaking and communication skills are not commonly held and very useful to just about any professional, including doctors. Toastmasters is a really inexpensive way to try to improve yourself in these areas. What could it hurt? If they wind up creeping you out, just quit.
Agree. Although Toastmasters is but one public speaking course option. There are many, some better than others. OP, this "someone you know" is not a person you should be taking advice from.
not necessarily, there are different clubs that have totally different membership and totally different flavors. There are certainly some that you've described . . . the best way is to go to a bunch of different clubs and see which one you like
Okay, this is it. I'm going to start going to Toastmasters within the next two weeks. For those of you who have done this in the past or are doing this right now, because each club can be very different depending on group leaders and members in it, what are some great ways of finding the one that is the best? I'm planning on trying out every club in my area (that takes < 30 min by car from my home) to pick the best one possible. I'd really appreciate it if those with experience could suggest some tips on doing this. (ex. clubs at evenings VS mornings VS afternoons, clubs with mostly old people (36-50+) VS mostly young (15-35) people, clubs with certain number of members, clubs with long VS short establishment history (some clubs were established in the very past (1900 or before) and others are very young (established after 2000)), etc......)
